Big Noon Kickoff analyst Brady Quinn offered his perspective Tuesday on the controversy surrounding Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who has reportedly been barred from the field at Ohio State’s stadium for the Buckeyes’ season-opening matchup against Texas on Saturday.
Quinn, speaking with 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, said he is unsure of the exact circumstances surrounding the ban, calling the situation “petty” and “ridiculous” if it is indeed true.
“I don’t know what the hell’s going on,” Quinn said. “I don’t know how much validity there is to whether or not he was actually banned, or if this is all just made for TV.”
While he acknowledged that Portnoy’s exclusion has drawn attention, Quinn emphasized that the show has previously accommodated guests in tight spaces. “We’ve had people who are not on our desk to start our show be on the desk in the stadium. It’s a tight fit, but we’ve done it,” he said. “Matthew McConaughey is going to be there. I’m pretty sure he’ll be on the desk inside the stadium. He’s coming from Texas, the team they’re playing… I do know there’s room for one more at the desk.”
Quinn also suggested that the reports about Portnoy’s ban may involve some level of public relations management by Ohio State, noting that the university may have been displeased with the hire.
“Someone doesn’t want him in the stadium, I know Ohio State wasn’t happy about the hire. So it feels like they’re doing a bit of damage control right now,” Quinn said.
Despite the controversy, Quinn urged fans and media alike to focus on the matchup itself, calling it one of the most compelling season openers in college football history. “It’s fun. It’s a great game. Why are we focusing on this off-the-field crap when we’ve got the greatest matchup to start a season I think we’ve ever seen in college football history?” he questioned.
Portnoy, who has been a polarizing figure in sports media, is scheduled to appear on Big Noon Kickoff but will not be allowed on the field for the end-of-show coverage according to Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork. Portnoy said he initially planned to remain silent on the matter out of respect for the network, but media coverage forced him to address the situation. He criticized Ohio State for sending mixed messages, citing conflicting statements from athletic director Ross Bjork, who claimed the university had not issued a ban.
The debut of Big Noon Kickoff on FOX Sports Saturday from Columbus, Ohio marks the start of a content partnership between FOX Sports and Barstool Sports announced in July.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
